Precision Optics Development Engineer

Requisition Number: 71175

The company built on breakthroughs. ​ 
Join us.​ 

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​ 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​ 

​ At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​  

​ Come break through with us. 

Role Purpose

Shape the future of advanced manufacturing as a Process Development Engineer in Corning’s Advanced Optics group based in Rochester, NY. You’ll lead hands-on innovation in high-precision optical fabrication—developing and optimizing advanced processes for mirrors, lenses, and freeform optics used in next-generation semiconductor inspection systems. Tackle complex challenges in sub-aperture polishing, CNC machining, and metrology, collaborating with experts across R&D and manufacturing. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real-world impact and push the boundaries of what’s possible in optics.

The role involves developing innovative optical manufacturing technologies for high-precision optical elements and expanding manufacturing capabilities to meet customer demands for more complex and performant optical systems.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Drive development and optimization of advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and a range of optical substrates on flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeforms.
• Analyze experimental results using rigorous scientific and engineering principles.
• Manufacture prototype optics for cutting-edge optical systems for semiconductor equipment customers.
• Identify and assess technical risks and challenges for both prototype and commercial opportunities.
• Collaborate with finance, procurement, and plant engineering on capital investment needs.
• Clearly communicate results to peers, management, and technology partners.
• Stay at the forefront of technological advances and market trends.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, or related STEM field. (M.S. or Ph.D. desired).
• 5+ years of experience in high precision asphere fabrication for visible/DUV optical systems.
• Proficiency with CNC platforms (grinder, polisher, MRF, IBF, sub-aperture polisher) on glasses and crystals.
• Hands-on experience with smoothing mid-spatial frequency errors.
• Familiarity with metrology methods and ability to analyze data.
• Proven track record of implementing new processes within budget and on schedule.

Travel Requirements: 10% - 15%. Primarily domestic travel. Some international travel for conferences, trade shows, customer meetings.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience with EUV/X-ray optics, diamond-turning, and metal/alloy substrates.
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and optical surface cleaning processes.
• Experience with Design of Experiment (DOE), and statistical analysis tools.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial, and career from day one

• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows throughout your career. We also offer a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions. 
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, and disease management programs.
• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives, align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well – when Corning wins, we all win.    
• Getting paid for our work is important but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a peer-to-peer recognition program to celebrate success by recognizing colleagues who demonstrate above-and-beyond behaviors. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] .